Porter Davis homes

mel_mox · Jun 27, 2011 10:44 pm

Anyone happy with PD??? Lol

Lunchtime · Jun 27, 2011 11:01 pm

" but this is only if they really want extra piece of mind "

While I would love to believe that, there have been plenty of posts to the contrary. I have also been advised that PD will not share the inspection with the client? Can you confirm this is correct? If so.. why?

.[/quote]

I can confirm this, I requested my inspection reports and have only ever seen one of them. Basically all it said that the foundation was up to code. There were no details about any areas of concern nor did it explain anything.

Lunchtime · Jun 27, 2011 11:07 pm

mel_mox

Anyone happy with PD??? Lol

Personally, the reason I am ** off with PD is that they promise all these extras and do not deliver. For instance, I only had 2 photos uploaded on PD 24/7 - was a bit of a joke - even after repeated asking they couldnt even get my name right on the website. I settled when they decided to use my first and middle name rather than my first and surname. This included me sending in screen shots to show where they had put someone elses name

The reports are another example of this, going by PD advertising material it would suggest that these inspections are a back up to show the customer that the build is going well when in fact its simply a PD internal process and not available to the client.

PD try to position themselves as a superior product and service, I believe we paid a premium to build with PD than some of the other quotes we got. So when promises are not kept, then of course the customer is going to feel ** off.

By and large all my issues are cosmetic and to do with these sorts of promises made by their marketing department. Your Sales rep will talk about quality, but as soon as it goes to the site supervisior all you will hear is minimum standard and within tolerance (which basically means not good, but you cant do anything about it). What happened to the quality that I was told about from my sales rep?

PS. My SS and I had all sorts of arguements about building standards and how he didnt want to paint the top and bottom of doors. When I had my 3mth inspection I bought this up and it has been added to my list of faults. Its fairly clear cut what the regulation was, but pure laziness from my SS meant it was easier to argue with me than to do the job properly.

I even said to the person that came out to do the 3mth inspection that I had better service from him in 5 mins than I did with my SS for the past 4 months

Jewelbaby · Jun 28, 2011 12:11 am

humble

Team PD

Hi Jewelbaby,

Yes, the display homes have BSS Independent Quality Inspections carried out throughout the build process and again at settlement where the Inspection Certificate is provided. These inspections are carried out in exactly the same way for a client's home. Clients can also choose to get the home independently assessed separately to the BSS Inspections at their own cost, but this is only if they really want extra piece of mind. I hope this helps. Regards, Ebony

" but this is only if they really want extra piece of mind "

While I would love to believe that, there have been plenty of posts to the contrary. I have also been advised that PD will not share the inspection with the client? Can you confirm this is correct? If so.. why?

I think its in the best interest of the client (of any builder) to get the independent inspections completed, your talking about 200k+ and there are plenty of examples of where the inspections have picked up pages of defects that would have never been addressed otherwise.

We have had an independent building inspection. To my knowledge PD is yet to, or will not, adhere to any of the recommendations made by our inspector to fix the things that are not within the required standard and tolerance guide, with the exception of doing a poor job of improving our botched floor tiles (just one example of where the quote

Quote:

Your Sales rep will talk about quality, but as soon as it goes to the site supervisior all you will hear is minimum standard and within tolerance (which basically means not good, but you cant do anything about it).

is spot on)!

A meeting was had at our place today and while we have not yet received a full update on what was done/said/decided and what is yet to be done, we have a tentative PCI date of Friday. I do know some fairly major things, or things that will take a few weeks at least, are yet to be done/decided on, so we are probably at least 2-4 weeks away from handover at best as I currently understand things. I hope that's all it is because I've been hearing that for months now and if we get there on Friday to see that still not much has changed in all that time I'l be a lot unhappier than I am now I can tell you!

humble · Jun 28, 2011 7:26 am

Jewelbaby

We have had an independent building inspection. To my knowledge PD is yet to, or will not, adhere to any of the recommendations made by our inspector to fix the things that are not within the required standard and tolerance guide, with the exception of doing a poor job of improving our botched floor tiles (just one example of where the quote

Quote:

Your Sales rep will talk about quality, but as soon as it goes to the site supervisior all you will hear is minimum standard and within tolerance (which basically means not good, but you cant do anything about it).

Um, they dont have a choice, the inspector will pull them up on things that do not meet minimum standards. Seriously if thats the case, I wouldnt be handing over any end payments at all.

The inspectors job is to assess the work to standards set in place by the building industry (which PD and all others agree too!) if they have failed to meet that standard then thats there problem. I would ring the HIA and seek advice.

kingcy99 · Jun 28, 2011 10:50 am

I have been living in this new PD house for almost 7 months. I find that the new home care team is very good. Especially Helen, she does always get a quick respond. Most of the problem has been solved but one thing that she can't help me is about my heating duct problem.

I have a big problem with the noise coming out from my heating duct. It's installed by Specialised Heating and Cooling. The ticking noise coming from the vents. When I climb into the ceiling it definitely sounds like the noise is the vents themselves. We've had a couple of the vents replaced but the sound remains. It's very frustrating because we can't leave the heating on after someone in the house goes to bed because it's too loud.

These day I can't leave the heating on at night because It's too loud. Specialised said that they can't do anything about it. Nobody really complain about this noise before. So does anyone have this similar problem? What should I do? We are very upset about this so much.

Team PD · Jun 28, 2011 11:24 am

Chorlton

BRICKWORK ABOVE LINTELS

Hello Everyone.... I'm after some help please ::sad::

For all those who now have had their brickwork completed, may I ask roughly how much did the brickwork overhang the edge of the window / garage lintels?

I ask, as along some of our window openings the brickwork overhangs by around 20-30mm which due to the holes in the centre of the bricks makes the area look unsightly and poorly finished.

Given that the width of a house brick is around 100mm, only about 2/3rds of the bricks are being supported. Also, in our opinion the end result looks really poor & unfinished.

Consequently, I'd be interested in others views on this. Would you be happy with this finish?

Finally, with regard to the brickwork above the Garage lintel, if anyone can offer any guidance as to whether this large overhang would still meet Building Standards I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance,

Chorlton

Hi Chorlton,
I see that you’ve had some help and responses regarding your queries about your brick work. Have you bought this up with your SS or Building Coordinator? If you are feeling unsure I really suggest you talk to them about your questions, they will be able to explain the answers for you. Cheers Ebony

Team PD · Jun 28, 2011 11:49 am

Lunchtime

mel_mox

Anyone happy with PD??? Lol

Personally, the reason I am ** off with PD is that they promise all these extras and do not deliver. For instance, I only had 2 photos uploaded on PD 24/7 - was a bit of a joke - even after repeated asking they couldnt even get my name right on the website. I settled when they decided to use my first and middle name rather than my first and surname. This included me sending in screen shots to show where they had put someone elses name

The reports are another example of this, going by PD advertising material it would suggest that these inspections are a back up to show the customer that the build is going well when in fact its simply a PD internal process and not available to the client.

PD try to position themselves as a superior product and service, I believe we paid a premium to build with PD than some of the other quotes we got. So when promises are not kept, then of course the customer is going to feel ** off.

By and large all my issues are cosmetic and to do with these sorts of promises made by their marketing department. Your Sales rep will talk about quality, but as soon as it goes to the site supervisior all you will hear is minimum standard and within tolerance (which basically means not good, but you cant do anything about it). What happened to the quality that I was told about from my sales rep?

PS. My SS and I had all sorts of arguements about building standards and how he didnt want to paint the top and bottom of doors. When I had my 3mth inspection I bought this up and it has been added to my list of faults. Its fairly clear cut what the regulation was, but pure laziness from my SS meant it was easier to argue with me than to do the job properly.

I even said to the person that came out to do the 3mth inspection that I had better service from him in 5 mins than I did with my SS for the past 4 months

Hi Lunchtime,
I’m really disappointed to read your posts and hear that you’ve experienced such difficulties continuing throughout your build and with PD. I understand and hear your frustrations and want to be able to help you, could you please send me a private message with your full name, lot number and the best contact phone number for us to call you on? Regards, Ebony

Lunchtime · Jun 28, 2011 12:55 pm

Hi Lunchtime,
I’m really disappointed to read your posts and hear that you’ve experienced such difficulties continuing throughout your build and with PD. I understand and hear your frustrations and want to be able to help you, could you please send me a private message with your full name, lot number and the best contact phone number for us to call you on? Regards, Ebony[/quote]

Hi Ebony,

Thanks for your offer, I am sure PD know exactly who I am. At this point in time I feel that we are being looked after and have assurances from Greg that the items for our 3mth maintenance are being taken care off. I really appreciate that he was able to acknowledge the faults with out having to fight it out. I really wasn’t looking forward to my 3mth inspection as I was expecting a battle to get anything done, but Greg turned that around and I have had a couple of phone calls from your suppliers organising rectification work to be done

It would have taken away a lot of headaches and sleepless nights to have been listened too when the house was being constructed rather than at this late stage. But I will hold off for now and see how things go

While I am sure to most Site supervisors, this is just another job, to your clients – this is a huge investment in time, energy and emotion and I feel PD needs to understand this

fingers crossed · Jun 28, 2011 1:58 pm

Hi
we have been in our house for just over a month and we are making a list of faults - the biggest one we have had rectified was that ours stairs had to be resanded and restained, I had to argue with the manager to have this done as he was willing to do every sewcond or third stair would mean that the staining wqould look awful - after having to argue with him over this they finally re did them - the problem is that this should have been looked at ages ago when we pointed it out - they were tying to tell us that the marks on the stairs were timber grain - which they werent - why do things have to get to the stage where you are at your wits end before action is taken!!
Look at the sides of your ensuites - cause ours are stuffed - 3 month maintenance people are going to be busy with our place thats for sure...
Overall we love our home - cause we have made it our home - as a house it has many faults...

MelNRob · Jun 28, 2011 3:08 pm

Chorlton

BRICKWORK ABOVE LINTELS

Hello Everyone.... I'm after some help please ::sad::

For all those who now have had their brickwork completed, may I ask roughly how much did the brickwork overhang the edge of the window / garage lintels?

I ask, as along some of our window openings the brickwork overhangs by around 20-30mm which due to the holes in the centre of the bricks makes the area look unsightly and poorly finished.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/chorlton001/House%20Build%20Issues/IMG_4135.jpg

Worse still, along the top of our Garage lintel, the brickwork is overhanging by around 35mm.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/chorlton001/House%20Build%20Issues/IMG_4138.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/chorlton001/House%20Build%20Issues/IMG_4142.jpg

Given that the width of a house brick is around 100mm, only about 2/3rds of the bricks are being supported. Also, in our opinion the end result looks really poor & unfinished.

Consequently, I'd be interested in others views on this. Would you be happy with this finish?

Finally, with regard to the brickwork above the Garage lintel, if anyone can offer any guidance as to whether this large overhang would still meet Building Standards I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance,

Chorlton

Hi Chorlton,

We're currently being bricked and i noticed that around the windows ours too are like that. I would think though that once all bricking is complete or at some stage of the build they will put some sort of flashing over it to conceal the lintel and brickwork.

Cheers,

M

MelNRob · Jun 28, 2011 3:15 pm

humble

Team PD

Hi Jewelbaby,

Yes, the display homes have BSS Independent Quality Inspections carried out throughout the build process and again at settlement where the Inspection Certificate is provided. These inspections are carried out in exactly the same way for a client's home. Clients can also choose to get the home independently assessed separately to the BSS Inspections at their own cost, but this is only if they really want extra piece of mind. I hope this helps. Regards, Ebony

" but this is only if they really want extra piece of mind "

While I would love to believe that, there have been plenty of posts to the contrary. I have also been advised that PD will not share the inspection with the client? Can you confirm this is correct? If so.. why?

I think its in the best interest of the client (of any builder) to get the independent inspections completed, your talking about 200k+ and there are plenty of examples of where the inspections have picked up pages of defects that would have never been addressed otherwise.

We have not had any problems in receiving a copy of our reports from our CSC or SS when we have asked them (from the EAst office). The first one on the frame itemised areas that were not approved and had to be rectified and we received the reframe inspection report the following month. Everything that was on the not approved list was rectified - No problems.

humble · Jun 28, 2011 8:22 pm

MelNRob

humble

Team PD

Hi Jewelbaby,

Yes, the display homes have BSS Independent Quality Inspections carried out throughout the build process and again at settlement where the Inspection Certificate is provided. These inspections are carried out in exactly the same way for a client's home. Clients can also choose to get the home independently assessed separately to the BSS Inspections at their own cost, but this is only if they really want extra piece of mind. I hope this helps. Regards, Ebony

" but this is only if they really want extra piece of mind "

While I would love to believe that, there have been plenty of posts to the contrary. I have also been advised that PD will not share the inspection with the client? Can you confirm this is correct? If so.. why?

I think its in the best interest of the client (of any builder) to get the independent inspections completed, your talking about 200k+ and there are plenty of examples of where the inspections have picked up pages of defects that would have never been addressed otherwise.

We have not had any problems in receiving a copy of our reports from our CSC or SS when we have asked them (from the EAst office). The first one on the frame itemised areas that were not approved and had to be rectified and we received the reframe inspection report the following month. Everything that was on the not approved list was rectified - No problems.

Thats good to hear!

I have read a lot of posts saying they wont share, ill be getting my own just incase.

building1 · Jun 28, 2011 8:45 pm

mel_mox

Anyone happy with PD??? Lol

Very happy with PD, really hate my effing bank though...

Victoria_g06 · Jun 28, 2011 9:45 pm

Lunchtime

mel_mox

Anyone happy with PD??? Lol

Personally, the reason I am ** off with PD is that they promise all these extras and do not deliver. For instance, I only had 2 photos uploaded on PD 24/7 - was a bit of a joke - even after repeated asking they couldnt even get my name right on the website. I settled when they decided to use my first and middle name rather than my first and surname. This included me sending in screen shots to show where they had put someone elses name

The reports are another example of this, going by PD advertising material it would suggest that these inspections are a back up to show the customer that the build is going well when in fact its simply a PD internal process and not available to the client.

PD try to position themselves as a superior product and service, I believe we paid a premium to build with PD than some of the other quotes we got. So when promises are not kept, then of course the customer is going to feel ** off.

By and large all my issues are cosmetic and to do with these sorts of promises made by their marketing department. Your Sales rep will talk about quality, but as soon as it goes to the site supervisior all you will hear is minimum standard and within tolerance (which basically means not good, but you cant do anything about it). What happened to the quality that I was told about from my sales rep?

PS. My SS and I had all sorts of arguements about building standards and how he didnt want to paint the top and bottom of doors. When I had my 3mth inspection I bought this up and it has been added to my list of faults. Its fairly clear cut what the regulation was, but pure laziness from my SS meant it was easier to argue with me than to do the job properly.

I even said to the person that came out to do the 3mth inspection that I had better service from him in 5 mins than I did with my SS for the past 4 months

Unfortunately I would have to agree with Lunchtime, I am overall not happy with the way PD handled their customer service, the house is fine; I keep finding tiny faults, but they are simple faults and if people were paying attention (SS, painter etc) it wouldn't look as average as it does.

I agree about the doors painted top and bottom (I asked my SS to do this but of course he didn't) I don't know if I want to be inconvenienced at 3 month inspection for the painter to take the doors off the hinges.. it really should have been done with the rest of the painting...

Jewelbaby · Jun 29, 2011 12:43 am

humble

Jewelbaby

We have had an independent building inspection. To my knowledge PD is yet to, or will not, adhere to any of the recommendations made by our inspector to fix the things that are not within the required standard and tolerance guide, with the exception of doing a poor job of improving our botched floor tiles (just one example of where the quote

Quote:

Your Sales rep will talk about quality, but as soon as it goes to the site supervisior all you will hear is minimum standard and within tolerance (which basically means not good, but you cant do anything about it).

Um, they dont have a choice, the inspector will pull them up on things that do not meet minimum standards. Seriously if thats the case, I wouldnt be handing over any end payments at all.

The inspectors job is to assess the work to standards set in place by the building industry (which PD and all others agree too!) if they have failed to meet that standard then thats there problem. I would ring the HIA and seek advice.

Is that so? I'm so confused! We have been lead to believe that most of his 'suggestions' were just that and PD have told us that most of them are unnecessary and frivolous. I will be contacting the HIA for advice about another issue tomorrow though, so I will speak to them about this too.

As far as I know, PD are expecting us to sign off on PCI on Friday, even though some things are yet to be done and wish to discuss it with us on the day. I don't understand how we can be expected to then sign a PCI document under those circumstances?

I'm still not exactly sure what has and hasn't been fixed and how though, since the written update (via email) that we were promised would arrive on Monday, or this morning at the latest, has not yet arrived.

We also have not had a follow up inspection done by our independent inspector as yet, because the work is not yet completed. So again, I don't understand how we can be asked to sign a PCI document. I've seen people mention that they have signed their PCIs on the understanding that certain things would be addressed at 3 month maintenance (and we have already agreed to let some of our issues go through until then), at which time PD have stated that since the PCI document was signed they have accepted those issues and could not ask for them to be fixed. Does anyone know if this is true, or something they are allowed to do?

ETA also, how exactly is it that PD expect handover to occur, where I'm sure they get paid their final installment, when work is not even completed yet? Surely, when we are a month over contract already and after all the problems we have had, they don't expect us to just take their word for it that it will be done? Or have those of you that have taken this route not had to pay your final installment at handover?

Team PD · Jun 29, 2011 11:12 am

Lunchtime

" but this is only if they really want extra piece of mind "

While I would love to believe that, there have been plenty of posts to the contrary. I have also been advised that PD will not share the inspection with the client? Can you confirm this is correct? If so.. why?

.

I can confirm this, I requested my inspection reports and have only ever seen one of them. Basically all it said that the foundation was up to code. There were no details about any areas of concern nor did it explain anything.[/quote]

Hi Lunchtime,
I’m sure your SS or BC would be happy to go through the report with you in more detail if you have questions regarding it. Have you followed this up with either of them? You should have a copy as you are required to sign it and then re-sign it once the work is completed at settlement. Cheers, Ebony

karmaz · Jun 29, 2011 1:07 pm

Ebony, I didnt see any inspection reports though I asked for them. And as far as I remember, neither was I required to sign an independent inspector's report at any time. Hmmmmm..... :th:

Chorlton · Jun 29, 2011 2:18 pm

Team PD

Hi Chorlton,
I see that you’ve had some help and responses regarding your queries about your brick work. Have you bought this up with your SS or Building Coordinator? If you are feeling unsure I really suggest you talk to them about your questions, they will be able to explain the answers for you. Cheers Ebony

Hi Ebony,

Thanks for the reply and I will indeed be talking to my SS about my concerns. The purpose of my post was simply to gauge whether my particular issues were isolated to just my build or whether the issues were more common and thus potentially "accepted practice" by PD.

With regard to the independent inspections carried out by BSS and your recent comment:

Team PD

I’m sure your SS or BC would be happy to go through the report with you in more detail if you have questions regarding it. Have you followed this up with either of them? You should have a copy as you are required to sign it and then re-sign it once the work is completed at settlement Cheers, Ebony

Like others on here, to date, I have never been asked to sign copies of any inspection reports prepared by BSS.

In addition, I was led to believe that if any issues / faults were raised by BSS during the various staged inspections throughout each build, it was actually down to the SS (or higher Management in some cases) to decide whether those faults would be fixed. In otherwords, that PD had the flexibilty to decide for themselves if they felt that those items identified were really issues which would be addressed.

If this is true, then this makes me wonder whether the "main" purpose of these inspections is to possibly satisfy "insurance requirements" which are applied to PD. What I mean by this is that PD (like any other Builder) obviously needs to be insured to allow them to build homes, and that for every home built there is a minimum requirement that it is built to correct building standards, otherwise PD would be liable (in case of future defects within the warranty period) in which case they could then claim against their insurance.

Therefore, when BSS identify a issue, PD can then decide whether they also deem it to be a problem. If they don't and therefore not addressed, they then personally accept the risk if it becomes a defect (within the warranty period which I think is 7 or 10 years !!??!! ) at a later date.

For my understanding and maybe others on here, please can you confirm or deny whether this is actual PD policy?

Many Thanks in advance,

Chorlton

J & C · Jun 29, 2011 7:19 pm

Has anyone on this blog had to upgrade the heating unit as a result of two zone control and then upgrade it again to MX30i if you opt for extra ducts in the house.

The sales guy informed us that the two zone control heating unit needed an upgraded heating unit but he did not write the make of the model in the quote that was provided to us. We were quoted an extra $1067 for the two zone and now been quoted an additional $600 odd to upgrade again for the extra ducts.

It will be great if people that have signed their contract offer some tips / things to watch out for in the contract. And if we opt for an external inspector should we include this in the contract.